Contents

Chapter 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Then Jesus called his Apostles together, and gave them the power and authority over demons and to cure diseases.

The Greek is δαιμονια, which means demons, not the Devil.

2

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

3

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

He said to them, “Take nothing on your travels, not a staff, no bag, no food, no money or a spare coat.

4

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.

5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

If the people will not let you stay, when you leave the city, shake the dust off your feet as evidence.”

6

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

So they departed, going through all the towns, spreading the good news and healing everywhere.

I think spreading is probably better than the stilted 'proclaiming'

7

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

Now Herod Antipas, tetrarch of the region, heard about everything Jesus had done, and he was confused, because some said that John the Baptist had risen from the dead,

8

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

some that Elijah had reappeared, and others that another of the ancient prophets had been resurrected.

9

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

And Herod said, “I had John the Baptist executed, but who is this man I hear all these things about, then?” And he wanted to see Him.

10

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

When His students returned to Jesus, they told Him everything they had done. Then He took them with Him, and they went privately into the town of Bethsaida.

11

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

The people, when they discovered this, followed Him there, and so He met them, and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those of them who were unwell.

12

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

As the day drew to an end, His twelve best students came up to Him, and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they can go into the settlements near here, to find food and a place to sleep, because we are in a desert here.”

13

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

But He said to them, “Give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish, unless we were to go and buy food for everyone.”

14

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

For there were about five thousand men in that place. So Jesus said to His students, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”

15

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

So they made everyone sit down.

16

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, and while looking up to Heaven, blessed them, and then passed them to His students to give to the crowd.

17

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

The whole crowd ate until they were satisfied, and the remains of the meal filled twelve baskets.

Precisely when did the loaves and fish multiply? Luke's rendition suggests that it was after distribution. Greater study of Luke's description, guided by conservative translation principles, could yield insights here.

18

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

When Jesus was away from the crowds, praying, and His best students were with Him, He asked them, “Who do the people say I am?”

19

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

They answered, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others one of the ancient prophets resurrected.”

20

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

And He said to them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”

21

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Then Jesus warned and commanded them not to tell anyone this.

22

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Saying, “The Son of man must endure many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be resurrected on the third day.”

’chief priests’ is easy to understand, but ‘elders’ and ‘scribes’ may not carry the original meaning to the modern reader.

23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

And He said to all of them, “If any man wants to come after me, he should deny himself, carry his cross daily, and follow me.

24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but anyone who loses his life for me will save it.

25

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For what benefit is it to a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses himself?

26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

For if anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of man will be ashamed of him, when He comes in His glory and the glory of His Father, and the glory of the holy angels.

27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

But this is the truth, there are some standing here who will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.

28

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

About eight days after Jesus said this, He took Peter, John and James, and they went up onto a mountain to pray.

29

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

As He prayed, His face seemed to change, and his clothing shone white.

30

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

And He spoke with two men, Moses and Elijah,

31

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

who appeared in splendor, and they spoke of His exodus to be achieved soon in Jerusalem.

ἔξοδος: best translated for what it is, "exodus", which has connotations of expanding Christianity to the whole world.

32

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

But Peter and the others with Him were asleep, and when they awoke, they saw His glory and the two men that were with Him.

33

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

As the men were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good that we are here, let us build three shrines, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah,” for Peter did not know what he was saying.

34

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared around them, and they were afraid as it covered them.

35

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, listen to him.”

36

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

When the voice had spoken, they saw that Jesus was alone. The students kept this secret, and told no man what they had seen.

37

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

The next day, when they had come down from the hill, a crowd of people came to meet Him.

38

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

One of the men called out, “Teacher, please, look at my son, because he is my only child.

39

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

A demon enters him, and he suddenly cries, and it makes him foam at the mouth and injures him, and it hardly ever leaves him.

40

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

I asked your students to expel the demon, but they could not.”

41

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and disobedient generation, how long will I have to put up with you? Bring your son here.”

42

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

So as he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and injured him. And Jesus expelled the demon, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.

43

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

And the crowd were all amazed by the power of the Lord. But while they were astonished at what Jesus had done, He said to His students,

44

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

”Listen carefully to Me: The Son of man will be delivered into the power of men.”

45

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

But they did not understand what He meant, and they were too afraid to ask Him.

46

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

An argument started among the twelve best students of Jesus, about which one of them would be the greatest.

47

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Then Jesus, seeing what they were thinking, had a child stand beside Him.

48

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

He said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him that sent Me. The one who is the least important of you, he will be the greatest.”

49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And John answered, “Teacher, we saw a man expelling demons in Your name, and we ordered him to stop, because he did not follow You with us.”

50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

And Jesus replied, “Do not obstruct him, for anyone who is not against us is on our side.”

51

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

As the time for Jesus to be received in Heaven grew near, He faithfully journeyed towards Jerusalem.

52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And He sent messengers ahead of Him, and they entered a village of Samaritans, to prepare it for Him.

53

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

However, the people of the village would not let Him stay, because He was going to Jerusalem.

54

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

And James and John saw this, and asked, “Teacher, will you call fire down from Heaven to burn the village, like Elijah did?”

55

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

But Jesus reprimanded them, saying, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are,

Do not carry money, a bag, or shoes, and do not visit with anyone along the way.

ἀσπάζομαι is more precisely translated now as "visit with" rather than "greet", as the point is not to allow delay for socializing; also, μηδείς should be translated broadly as "anyone", not "any man"

5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

And whenever you go into a house, say, ‘Peace upon this house.’

Is ‘peace’ the right word here?

6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

And if a son of peace lives there, your blessing will settle on him, and if not, it will settle on you again.

7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Stay in the house that took you in, eating and drinking anything they give you, for a worker deserves to be paid. Do not go and stay in other houses.

8

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

And when you enter a city, and they allow you to stay, eat what they give to you,

9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

and heal the sick, and say to them, “The Kingdom of God has come close to you.”

10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

But if you enter a city, and they do not welcome you, go into the streets of that city, saying,

11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

”Even the dust of your city, which covers us, we will clean off against you, but know this, “The Kingdom of God has come close to you.”

12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

I tell you, on that day even Sodom would be better off than that city!

13

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Too bad for you, Chorazin! Too bad for you, Bethsaida! If the great miracles shown to you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented a long time ago. They would have sat in hairshirts and ashes.

14

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

Come the Judgment Day, even Tyre and Sidon will be better off than you.

15

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be thrown into Hell!

16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

He who hear you hears Me, and he who disregards you disregards Me, and he who disregards Me disregards Him that sent Me.”

17

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Teacher, even the demons obey us in Your name!”

18

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

And He said, “I saw Satan like lightning falling from Heaven.

19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

I give you the power to crush snakes and scorpion, and greater power than the enemy. Nothing will hurt you in any way.

πατεῖν means ‘to crush with the feet’

20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

However, do not rejoice that the spirits obey you; rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

With that Jesus rejoiced, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for withholding Truth from the intellectuals while revealing it to common man, as this pleased You.

use "withhold" rather than "hide"; use the familiar "common man," a term disfavored by feminists; good conciseness here

22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

My Father has given me complete authority, and no man other than the Father knows who the Son is; likewise, the Son, and only those he chooses, knows the Father."

conciseness again preferred

23

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

And He said privately to His students, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see,

24

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

because many prophets and kings have wanted to see the things you see, and have not seen, and wanted to hear the things you hear, and have not heard.

25

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Once, a lawyer stood up and tested Jesus by asking, “Teacher, what should I do to receive eternal life?”

νομικός –an expert in law, in this case Mosaic Law. Should we use lawyer, which now has a different meaning?

26

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Jesus replied, “What does the Law say? How do you interpret it?”

Should we specify νόμῳ as Mosaic Law? Related to the verse above.

27

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

And he answered, “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”

28

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Jesus replied, “Well answered, do this and you will live.”

29

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

But the lawyer, seeking the last word, asked rhetorically, “And who is my neighbor?”

Perhaps a reference to last wordism here is better than "willing to justify himself"

30

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Jesus replied, “A man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They beat him, took his clothes and left him half dead.

31

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

By chance, a priest was going along the road, but when he saw the man, he passed him by, crossing to the other side of the path.

32

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

And also a Levite came by, and saw him, but passed by on the other side of the path.

33

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not lead us into temptation, but instead, save us from evil."

5

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

And he said to them, "Which of you would go to a friend at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread

6

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

for a friend of mine, who is on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to feed him?'

7

And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

And your friend inside will answer, 'Stop bothering me. I have locked the door and put my children to bed. I can't get up and give you anything now.'"

8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Let's face it, he will not get up and help because he is a friend, but because of the persistence he will get out of bed and turn over whatever is needed.

tighten up wording further

9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

I urge you, "Ask, and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened for you.

ἀνοίγω: open, but the "it" lacks an antecedent; this needs imiprovement

10

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Everyone who asks shall receive; all who seek shall find; and those who knock shall be welcomed.

tentative solution to lack of antecedent for "it" in "shall be opened": use "welcome"

11

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Those of you that are fathers, if your son asks you for bread, do you give a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would you give him a snake instead?

12

Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

And if he asks for an egg, would you offer him a scorpion?

13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

You are imperfect and know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father in heaven give spiritual inspiration to those who ask him?

difficult translating the equivalent of the "Holy Spirit" in the context of this verse

14

And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

And he was exorcising a demon, which was dumbstruck. When the demon was exorcised, it spoke; and the people were surprised.

15

But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

But some complained, "He exorcises demons through Beelzebub, the chief of the demons."

16

And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

While others tempted Him by demanding a heavenly miracle.

Translate the demand as a "miracle", and what Jesus provided as a "sign".

17

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

But Jesus, aware of their skepticism, warned them, "Every kingdom that is divided within ultimately fails; a house divided against itself collapses.

the term "skepticism" should be used more to describe the naysayers; use "warned" more often

18

If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

If Satan were self-conflicted, how could he have any power? Yet you complain that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

try "self-conflicted" here?

19

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.

If I somehow used Beelzebub to expel devils, by whom do your people exorcise them? Thus they shall be your judges.

use "somehow" to express hypothetical nature of question.

20

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

If I use the finger of God to case out devils, then undeniably the glory of God is upon you.

21

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

When an armed, strong man guards his palace, his goods are secure:

note juxtaposition of "armed"; this implicates right to keep and bear arms in contemporary debate

22

But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

But when a stronger opponent arrives and overcomes him, the new man takes from him all his trusted armor, and grabs the treasures.

alternative translations to last phrase: "loots the palace," "plunders the place."

23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

He who is not with me is against me, and he who does restore order causes disorder.

tentative: use order/disorder scientific metaphor here rather than farming analogy.

24

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

When a devil leaves a man, he wanders through deserts seeking rest; finding none, he says, "I shall return to my house from which I came."

25

And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

But upon return, he found it in order and garnished.

use order/disorder metaphor again (even the NASB does also); the "garnish" reference is fascinating.

26

Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

But then he grabs seven other demons even more wicked than himself, and they all enter and dwell there, such that the man's final state is worse than his first.

an unusual statement that seems to defeat the purpose of exorcising and ordering one's spirituality ... is this authentic or a later addition?

27

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

From out of the blue, as Jesus preached, a particular woman in his group raised her voice and said, "Blessed is the womb that carried You, and the breasts at which You nursed!"

reference here to the unborn child, Greek word is "βαστάζω" (meaning "carry" or "bear"); the "particular woman" could well have been Mark's mom, and exemplifies the best of the public here. A bit idiomatic with "from out of the blue" and may want to revisit

28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

But Jesus replied, "Amen, but blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it!"

discrepancy with modern versions here, which treat Jesus's introductory phrase as more of a contradiction than an affirmance; but Greek "μέν" is an unmistakable affirmance of the woman's outburst and "οὖν" means the next statement follows from the first. Concerning Mary, this was once a rare translation conflict between Catholics and Protestant; the NAB adopts the Protestant view ("rather") while the New Jerusalem Bible adheres to the more Catholic "[m]ore blessed still."

29

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

As the crowd overflowed, Jesus declared, "You are part of an evil generation that seeks a miracle as proof. No miracle shall be provided, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.

The Greek σημεῖον is inadequate in distinguishing between "miracle", which violates natural order, and a "sign", which reveals it. Jesus did provide signs, not miracles. The same Greek word must be translated differently depending on context.

30

For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

Just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, so shall the Son of man be a sign to you.

31

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

The faithful people shall rise up in the judgment of the men of this generation, and condemn them; for they came from distant lands to hear the wisdom of Solomon and, alas, we have something greater than Solomon here.

The term "queen" is used by most translators because the Greek is the feminine form of βασιλεύω, and the "queen of the south" is presumptively a reference to the "Queen of Sheba" in 1 Kings. But note that βασιλεύω means "kingly power" as in "the reign of Christians in the millennium," and the feminine form could be used to describe a collection of people; νότος means "south wind", not merely "south", and could be a metaphor for spirit.

32

The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

The men of Nineveh will stand aside this generation at judgment, and shall condemn it because they repented at Jonah's preaching and, alas, something greater than Jonah is here.

33

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

No man, when he has lit a candle, hides it out of view or under a basket, but puts it on a candlestick so that others can see the light.

stick with "no man" rather than modern gender neutral "no one," because Luke used the masculine form here and did use the feminine form when he meant that (e.g., Luke 6:6).

34

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

The mind is the window to the body. Thus when you are open-minded, your body is full of light; but when you are closed-minded, your body is filled with darkness.

avoid the archaic terms here, convey the concept of open-mindedness

35

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Hence make sure that your mind is not spiritually ignorant.

Most translations are physically self-contradictory here: "light is not darkness," reflecting the non-scientific background of Bible translators. The Greek φῶς can mean "light", but also the "mind". σκότος can mean "darkness", but also spiritual ignorance.

36

If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Thus if your entire body is filled with light, with no darkness, then your whole being shall have brightness, as when a strong candle lights up a region.

σκοτεινός means darkness and so it is unambiguous, but the NASB renders a very awkward translation of the concept of light here; φωτεινός means of "bright character" or "well lit."

37

And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

After Jesus spoke, a certain Pharisee invited Him to a meal. He went to his home and sat down to eat.

interestingly, the Greek word for "meal" here originally meant breakfast, but is translated in the NASB as "lunch". Was all this actually before breakfast?

38

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

When the Pharisee saw this, he wondered why Jesus did not thoroughly wash his hands before eating.

θαυμάζω: wonder rather than marvel; βαπτίζω: thoroughly wash in this context

39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

So the Lord explained, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and platter, but inside you are filled with plunder and wickedness.

ἁρπαγή: plunder.

40

Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

How illogical! Didn't the Creator of the outside also make what is within?

ἄφρων means "without reason," and this intellectual approach is better than the more common "fools" or "foolish" here

41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Stop being selfish about what is within, and then all things will be sinless for you.

καθαρός: sinless is the best modern rendition, or perhaps "pure"

42

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

But your reckoning is coming, Pharisees! For you donate mint, rue and all kinds of herbs, but have a double standard and avoid the love of God; these you should correct in addition to the others.

Translating the "woe unto you" phrase poses a challenge this verse and many uses in the following verses; οὐαί can also mean "grief" or in this context perhaps "punishment"; this difficult verse needs more work

43

Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Your reckoning is coming, Pharisees! For you crave the highest seats in the synagogues, and flattery in public.

The Greek word οὐαί is used repetitively in these verses, but nuances can be conveyed better with varying terminology depending on context.

44

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Ignominy awaits you hypocrites, scribes and Pharisees! You are like unmarked graves that men unwittingly walk over.

might improve on "unwittingly"; use of "ignominy" satisfies rule not to dumb this translation down, and translate fully in accord with context.

45

Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

One of the lawyers objected, "Teacher, you are condemning us also."

46

And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

He replied, "You lawyers will be accountable too! For you impose burdensome regulations on others, but will not lift a finger to help those who struggle with them.

Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

Pity you! You build tombs for the prophets whom your fathers killed.

An word-for-word translation of the Greek would be awkward here.

48

Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

With that you endorse the deeds of your fathers, as they killed the prophets and you build their tombs.

49

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

Thus is the wisdom of God, "I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall kill and some they shall persecute:

50

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

This generation may be held accountable for the blood of all the prophets shed since the beginning of time,

51

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the tabernacle. Truly I tell you, this generation shall be punished for it.

52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Judgment against you, lawyers! For you have stolen the key to knowledge. Not entering yourselves, you have blocked access by others.

53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

As Jesus told them off, the scribes and Pharisees furiously interrogated Him about everything,

54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Plotting and seeking to quote Him for a politically incorrect remark to use against Him.

use "politically incorrect" here?

Chapter 12

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Meanwhile, amid a massive crowd that stepped on each other, Jesus taught His disciples first. "Beware the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

For nothing is concealed that shall not be revealed; nothing hidden that shall not be known.

"is" or "can be"?

3

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

So whatever you said in the dark shall be heard in the light; and whatever you whispered in each others' ears behind closed doors shall be shouted from the rooftops.

4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Hear me out: do not fear those who kill the body, because afterward they cannot harm any further.

5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

I give advance warning to you about whom to fear: be afraid of He who has power to send you to Hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.

6

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies, and yet none of them is forgotten before God?

7

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

But even the count of hairs on your head is known to God. Do not fear then: you are of more value than many sparrows.

8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Also I say to you, "Whoever shall testify for me before men, he is also testifying before watchful angels of God:

9

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

But he that denies me before other men shall be denied before the angels of God.

10

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

And whoever speaks against the Son of man, they shall be forgiven for it: but to those who commit blasphemy against God's will, that shall not be forgiven.

Tentatively, "God's will" may be the most accurate in this context. Improvements to make it more precise are welcome.

11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

And when they bring you to the synagogues, and to magistrates, and powerful leaders, do not concern yourself with what questions you will answer, or what you will say:

12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

For God's spirit will give you guidance at that time regarding what to say.

"God's spirit" most precise here?

13

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

And one of those in attendance said to Him, "Master, speak to my brother, and persuade him to divide our inheritance with me."

14

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And He said unto him, "Sir, who made me a judge or a mediator over you?"

15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And He said to them, "Pay attention to me, and beware of greed: for a man's life is measured by the number of things he comes to possess."

16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

And He told them a parable, saying, "The farmland of a certain rich man yielded abundantly:

17

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, because I have no space left to store my harvest?'

18

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And he said, 'This is what I'll do: I will tear down my barns, and rebuild them even larger; and that's where I will store all my harvest and my goods.'

19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

And I will say to myself, 'You have stored many years worth of provisions; take a rest, eat, drink, and be merry.'

20

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

But God said to him, 'You fool, tonight your soul shall meet its maker: who, then, shall all that you have acquired belong to?'

21

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Such is a man that focuses on acquiring wealth for himself, and loses his focus on God."

22

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

And He said to his disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not focus selfishly on your life, on what you eat; on preening yourself, or over the fashions you wear.

23

The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Life is more than just sustaining yourself, and the body is more than just clothing.

I'm not sure about this one - please verify

24

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Consider the ravens: for they neither plant or harvest; they don't have a storehouse nor barn; and yet God feeds them: how much better off are you than the birds?

25

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

By worrying, can any of you add a foot to your height?

This is a famously disputed verse, often translated as adding an hour to one's life. But the Greek term πῆχυς means "cubit", and the next verse conflicts with the translation of adding an hour to one's life.

26

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

If you cannot even do something so meaningless, why do you worry so much about everything else?

"something so meaningless" conveys the substance of ἐλάχιστος

27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Consider how the lilies grow: they do not labor, they do not weave; and yet I tell you, Solomon in all his glory was not as regally dressed as one of these.

28

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

If God gives consideration to the condition of straw, which grows today in the field, and tomorrow is burned in an oven; how much more will give consideration to your condition, you of little faith?

29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

So do not search for what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither should you be in doubt.

30

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

For all of these things are sought by the nations of the world: and your Father knows that you need these things.

31

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Instead you should seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be provided to you.

32

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Fear not, followers of God; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

Sell what you have, and give it to charity; earn yourselves a wealth that does not grow old, a treasure in heaven that will last forever, which no thieves can reach, or moths ruin.

34

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

For where your treasure is, your heart will be there as well.

35

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

Be ready to go when the Lord calls you, and be prepared for His arrival;

I did some research on this, and these seemed to be good modern expressions for these phrases

36

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

And be like servants waiting for their employer, as if he was about to return from a wedding; that when he arrives and knocks, they are ready to open the door immediately.

37

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Blessed are those servants, who when their employer returns finds them watching for him: Truly I tell you, that this employer will then roll up his sleeves, and make the servants sit down to dinner, and he will be the one serving them.

38

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

And if he shall return later in the evening, or return far after midnight, and find them alertly waiting, blessed are those servants.

39

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

And know this, that if the master of the house had known when the thief would come, he would have been watching, and not have allowed his house to be broken into.

40

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Be ready like this as well: for the Son of man will come when you are not expecting.

41

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

Then Peter asked Him, "Lord, do you intend this parable for us, or for everyone?"

42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

The Lord replied, "Who then is that faithful and wise manager, trusted by his employer to supervise his affairs, and to compensate his workers as they are due?

tricky here, should "household" be converted to "business"?

43

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Blessed is that manager, whose employer finds working so diligently.

"working so well"?

44

Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

Truly I tell you, he will promote that manager to run all of his affairs.

45

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

But if that manager thinks to himself, "My employer will be late in coming"; and begins to punish his subordinates, and to eat and drink from his employer's stock, and to become drunk;

46

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

The employer of that manager will come on a day when he is not expected, and at a time that is unexpected, and will dismiss him, and will give him all that is due to the unfaithful.

47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

And that manager, who knew his employer's will, but did not prepare to fulfill it, or do as he instructed, shall be beaten with many lashes.

48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

But the one who did not know, and did things worthy of punishment, shall receive a lesser penalty. For those who are given great responsibility, of them much shall be expected: and of the man that others commit themselves to, of him they will expect all the more.

49

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?

I have come to light a fire on the earth; and what will I do if it has already been lit?

50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

But I have a baptism to go through with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Do you suppose that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, 'No, but rather divisiveness':

52

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

For from this point forward there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

The father will be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

54

And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

And He also said to the people, "When you see clouds approaching from the west, you are quick to say, 'Here comes a shower'; and so it happens.

55

And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

And when you see the winds blowing from the south you say, 'It will get warmer'; and that's what happens.

56

Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

You hypocrites, you can predict the weather before it happens, but how is it that you can't see what's happening right before you?

57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Moreover, why can't you bring yourselves to do what is right?

58

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

When you go to court with an opponent, and you are the defendant, be diligent so that you're cleared of any wrongdoing; lest you be found guilty by the judge, with the judge handing you off to the sheriff, and the sheriff putting you into prison.

This needs to be validated

59

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

I tell you, that you will not leave from there until you have paid all that is due.

Chapter 13

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Some of the people present told Him of certain Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

Pilate was attacking their faith by mixing blood into sacrifices, a pagan tradition. Romans would later attack Christianity in a similar way under Julian the Apostate.

2

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Jesus answered, "Do you think these Galileans were more sinful than all other Galileans, because this happened to them?

3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

I tell you no; but unless you repent, you shall all perish like them.

4

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Or what about those eighteen workers, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, killing them, do you think they were worse sinners than all other men in Jerusalem?

5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

I tell you no; but unless you repent, you shall all perish like them.

6

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

He taught this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, but could find no fruit on it.

7

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

So he said to his manager of the vineyard, 'Look, for three years I've sought fruit from this fig tree, but found none. Chop it down! Why burden the soil with it?'

8

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

The manager answered, 'Lord, let it be for this one year more, so I can spread manure around it.

modern versions replace "manure" with "fertilizer", but that obscures the lowliness of man compared to God.

9

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

And if it bears fruit, fine; if not, then we shall chop it down.'"

10

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

And, look, a woman was there who had been crippled for eighteen years, and was severely deformed, and could in no way stand on her own.

12

And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said to her, "Woman, you are cured of your illness".

13

And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

And He laid His hands on her: and immediately she was cured, and glorified God.

14

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

And the leader of the synagogue reacted with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said to the people, "There are six days in which men ought to work: in those days people should come and be healed, instead of on the sabbath day".

15

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

The Lord then answered him, saying, "You hypocrite, doesn't each one of you on the sabbath release his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him to be watered?"

16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

And shouldn't this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had afflicted all these eighteen years, be released from this affliction on the sabbath day?"

17

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

And when He had said these things, all His adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced over all the glorious things that were done by Him.

18

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

Then He said, "What is the realm of God like? What does it resemble?

"realm" is more modern and free of the King James emphasis on kings and kingdoms.

19

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

It is like the tiny mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and grew into a great tree; and the birds of the air nested in the branches of it.

20

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

And again He said, "How else shall I describe the realm of God?"

21

It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

It is like the pinch of yeast, which a woman took and mixed into three portions of dough, spreading and growing until all of the dough was leavened."

This probably needs to be trimmed back

22

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Then someone said to Him, "Lord, are there few that are saved?" And He said to them,

24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will be unable.

25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

When the man of the house rises, but has locked the door, and you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, Lord, let us in!' He shall reply, 'I do not know where you are from!'

οἰκοδεσπότης: it's masculine and means "man of the house," unlike emasculated renditions by nearly all modern translations

26

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

Then you will begin to say, 'We have eaten and drank with you, and you have taught in our neighborhood.'

27

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

But he will say in reply, "I have to say, 'I don't know you'; leave me, all you troublemakers."

28

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you come to find Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves excluded.

29

And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

And they will come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and they will sit down in the kingdom of God.

30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

And look, the humble among them shall be regarded first, and the prominent among them shall be regarded last."

31

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

On that same day some of the Pharisees came, saying to Him, "Go, and leave this place: for Herod has marked you for death.

32

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

And He said to them, "Go yourselves, and tell that fox, 'Watch, I will cast out demons, and I will perform cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I shall be perfected.'

33

Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

Nevertheless I must travel today, and tomorrow, and the day after that: for it is not allowable for a prophet to be killed within Jerusalem.

34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you killed the prophets and stoned those we sent to you; how often would I gather your people together, as a hen gathers her flock under her wings, yet you would not allow it!

OK to insert "We" for clarity, rather than use the now-disfavored passive voice? "People" of the city is a more precise translation than "children" for τέκνον

35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Listen up: your house has been left to you barren. Truly I tell you, "You shall not see me until you shall admit, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

"admit" is a big legalistic, but is the best alternative; "emptiness" could be improved

Chapter 14

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

Before long Jesus went to eat bread in the home of one of the leading Pharisees on the Sabbath, as they watched him closely.

2

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

Unexpectedly, a man appeared with painful swelling of his joints.

3

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

Whereupon Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

4

And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

Their silence was deafening. Jesus touched the man and healed him, and then sent him on his way.

A rare translation here that is longer than the KJV version.

5

And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?

Jesus scolded them, saying, "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox stuck in a pit, and not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath?"

"Scolded" seems to describe His tone here better

6

And they could not answer him again to these things.

They could not think of a word to say in reply.

Trying to get across that his speech stunned them, despite its simplicity.

7

And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

Noticing how some guests chose the best seats for themselves, Jesus presented this parable to them:

"presented" is stronger than the "told" of most modern translations.

8

When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

"When a man invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the best seat because another man may deserve it more,

Retention of masculine pronoun helps retain notion of chivalry here.

9

And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

And the host will come and say, 'Give this man your seat', and you will be shamed into taking the worst seat.

10

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

But when you are asked, sit at the worst seat, so that when the host sees you there he may come and tell you, 'My friend, you should take a better seat!' Then you will enjoy the respect of those who dine with you.

11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Because anyone who is pretentious will be humiliated, but the humble will be elevated and praised."

Pretentious seems to capture the idea of "exalting oneself."

12

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

He also told the man who questioned Him, "When you're having a dinner gathering, don't invite your friends, or brothers, your family, or your rich neighbors. They will probably return the invitation at some point, in repayment of your kindness."

13

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

Instead, invite the poor, the injured, the disabled, and the blind to your dinner.

14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

You will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. No, you will be repaid when the just are resurrected."

15

And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

And when one of the attendees who dined with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God."

16

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

Then He told the man, "There was a man who invited many people to a feast.

17

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

He sent his servant at supper time to tell the guests they were invited: 'Please come, the food is ready.'

18

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

But they all made excuses. The first said, 'I've just bought a piece of land and must go inspect it. Please excuse me.'

19

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

A second said, 'I've just bought five yokes of oxen, and have to go test them out. Please excuse me.'

20

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

A third said, 'I just got married, so I obviously can't come!'

21

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

So the servant returned and told his master. The master, now angry, told his servant to bring the poor, injured, disabled, and blind from the streets of the city.

22

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

And the servant said, "Master, it is done as you instructed, but there is still room left".

23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

And the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the main roads and side places, and invite those who you meet to come, so that my house may be filled.'

24

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

For I tell you this; none of those men who were originally invited shall taste this supper.

25

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

And a great number of people were following Him by then: and He turned, and said to them,

26

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

"If any man comes to me, but puts the interests of his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters before me, yes, even his own interests before me as well, he cannot be my disciple.

This is a passage many skeptics like to misinterpret. Please review this translation carefully and revise as needed. See article on Storge, love of family.

27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

28

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first, and estimate the cost, to ensure he is able to complete what he starts?

29

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Unless sadly, after he had laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see this begin to mock him,

30

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'

31

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or what king, preparing to go to war against another king, does not sit down first, and determine whether his ten thousand troops are sufficient to face an opponent with twenty thousand??

32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Or in realizing that they are not sufficient, and while the opponent is still far from attacking, he sends an emissary to negotiate terms of peace.

33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

So likewise, whoever of you that does not forsake all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.

34

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Salt is good: but if the salt has lost its potency, where shall it be used?

35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

It is neither fit for the land, or even for the garbage dump; but men discard itt. He that has ears to hear with, let him hear this."

Chapter 15

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Then He was approached by all the tax collectors and sinners, who wanted to hear Him..

2

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man meets with sinners, and dines with them."

3

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

And He responded to them with this parable, saying,

4

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

"What man among you, having a hundred sheep, if he were lose one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the field, and pursues the one which is lost until he finds it?

5

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he has found it, he carries it back on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

And when he returns home, he gathers his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.'

7

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

I say to you, that heaven shall rejoice like that over one sinner that repents, even more that over ninety-nine good people, who need no repentance.

8

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she were to lose one piece, does not light a candle, and searches the house, and seeks diligently until she finds it?

9

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

And when she has found it, she gathers her friends and her neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.'

10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

11

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

Jesus said, "A man had two sons.

This begins the Prodigal Son: is it a true story? It may have its biggest impact on those who stray to atheism. "Ἄνθρωπός τις" can be translated as "a certain man" as the KJV does, but because "Ἄνθρωπός" refers to mankind the addition of "τις" probably conveys the concept of one man rather than mankind.

12

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

The younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of your inheritance.' And his father gave him half of his wealth.

13

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Soon afterward the younger son took everything he could and left for a distant land, where he wasted his life through careless, sinful behavior.

This seems better, but feel free to modify as needed

14

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

But after he had lost everything, a terrible famine struck the land, he began to go hungry.

15

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

He latched onto a citizen there, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.

16

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And he would have given anything to eat the same food that the pigs enjoyed, yet no man gave him anything.

17

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

He came to his senses, saying, 'How many of my father's servants have plenty of bread, and yet I'm starving to death!'

18

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you,

19

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And I am unworthy of being called your son: treat me as you would a hired hand instead.'

20

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And so he got up, and headed back to his father. But when he was still far from home, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran to him, and embraced him, and kissed him.

21

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, and I am unworthy of being called your son.'

22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

But the father said to his servants, 'Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

And bring the finest calf here, and butcher it; and let us eat, and celebrate.

24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

For my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate.

25

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing.

26

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he called to one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And the servant replied, 'Your brother has come home; and your father is serving the finest calf, because he has been returned to him safe and sound.'

28

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came out, and pleaded with him.

29

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

And in answer to his father he said,'Look, in all these many years I have served you, I have never gone against your will: and yet you never gave me such a feast, that I might celebrate with my friends:

The replacement of "kid" with "Feast" is not literal, but seems to carry the original meaning into a contemporary context better.

30

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

But as soon as this son returned, who had squandered his inheritance from you on prostitutes, you've given up your finest calf in honor of him.'

31

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

And the father responded, saying 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.

People tend to overlook this part of the parable - a virtuous life is not unrecognized, and it is not unrewarded.

32

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

It is fitting that we should celebrate though, and be glad: for this man your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

Chapter 16

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

And He also said to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man, who employed a manager; and this manager was accused of squandering his boss's wealth.

2

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

And he summoned him, and said to him, 'How is it that I hear such bad things about you? You need to explain your decisions and their results; for your position is now in jeopardy.'

3

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Then the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do? If I lose this position I have no practical skills to rely on; I can't do construction work and I'm too proud to beg."

revisit "construction work" rendition

4

I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

I am determined to do what I need to then, in case I am fired as manager, to save face with my peers.

This may need some work

5

So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

So he summoned every one of his employer's debtors, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my employer?'

6

And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil'. And the manager said to him, 'Take your invoice, sit down quickly, and change it to say fifty'.

7

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And the man replied, 'A hundred measures of wheat'. And he said to him, 'Take your invoice, and change it to eighty'.

8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

And the employer commended the unjust manager, because he had acted wisely: for those who actually do good when they can are wiser than those who merely think about being good.

I researched this and this seems to be a decent interpretation for the last part

9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

And I say to you, be wise in using material things to help those around you; so that, when the material no longer matters, you are received into Heaven.

I researched this and this seems to be a decent interpretation of the original intent

10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

He that is faithful in addressing minor affairs is faithful in addressing major ones: and he that is unjust in the smallest of matters is also unjust in major ones.

11

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

If you haven't even been faithful in dealing with petty, material affairs, who will entrust you with riches of true value?

12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

And if you have not been faithful in managing the wealth of another man, who shall give you wealth of your own?

13

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

No servant can serve two masters: for he will either hate the first, and love the second; or else he will love the first, and despise the second. You cannot serve God and materialism.

14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

And the Pharisees there, who were jealous, heard all these things: and they mocked Him.

15

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

And He said to them, "You are the type who consider yourselves righteous among men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed by men is abomination in the sight of God."

16

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

The law and the prophets were your guide until John: since that time the kingdom of God has been preached directly, and every man is accountable to it.

17

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

And it is easier for Heaven and Earth to vanish, than for one point of God's law to fail.

18

Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Whoever abandons his wife, and marries another, commits adultery: and whoever marries the woman who was abandoned by her husband commits adultery.

19

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in regal colors and fine linen, and dined sumptuously every day:

I believe purple clothing was reserved for royalty and the elites, but not sure if this passage merits any additional reworking

20

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laying at his gate, covered with sores,

21

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

And hoping to be fed with whatever scraps were left from the rich man's table: instead the dogs came and licked at his sores.

22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's care: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

And he reopened his eyes in Hell, being in torment there, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his care.

24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

And he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame'.

25

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your life you received your good fortune, and likewise Lazarus bad fortune: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented'.

26

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

And besides, between you and us there is a great chasm: so that those who would try to reach you from here cannot; nor could any come to us, who would try to leave from where you are'.

27

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

Then he said, 'I pray to you then, father, that you would send him to my father's house:

28

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

For I have five brothers there; so he may bear witness of this to them, otherwise they'll also come into this place of torment'.

This is probably where Dickens got the inspiration for A Christmas Carol

29

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them'.

30

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

And he said, 'No, father Abraham: because if they hear this directly from a ghost, they will repent'.

31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

And he said to him, 'If they ignore Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded, even by a ghost'.